Working with Teenagers and Adolescents

In the UK, 50 percent of all mental ill-health shows up by the age of fourteen and yet of all the teenagers struggling with emotional and behavioural problems, a mere 30 percent receive any sort of intervention or treatment. The other 70 percent simply struggle through their pain and emotional turmoil, doing their best to make it to adulthood.

Yet research shows that untreated depression in the teenage years can lead to depression in adulthood, anti-social behaviour and suicide.

I work creatively, using tools and techniques relevant to adolescent development. Adults often feel awkward at embarking on an important conversation with a teenager, particularly in light of the often monosyllabic or grunting responses to their very best efforts.

The research shows that for many teenagers, a sense of real connectedness with just one adult in their lives is enough to end their sense of aloneness, anger, feelings of being misunderstood.

Confidentiality

Anything you discuss in your counselling sessions will remain confidential unless it is felt that you or someone else is at significant risk of harm.